Victoria to Ban Gas Hot Water Systems in Homes Under New Energy Plan

AUSTRALIA: Gas hot water systems will be gradually removed from all homes in Victoria under a state government initiative aimed at reducing household reliance on gas and conserving limited supplies for industrial use.

Despite this shift, the government has clarified that there will be no changes to gas cooking or heating for owner-occupied homes, addressing earlier concerns that all gas appliances might be banned. Initially, the government had proposed a broader plan requiring households to switch both gas heaters and hot water systems to electric alternatives.

Although Labor originally intended to include gas cooktops in its gas transition roadmap, Premier Jacinta Allan ruled out such changes last year following pushback from industry and consumer groups.

The current policy focuses on hot water systems and introduces new requirements for rental properties; landlords must replace gas heaters with reverse-cycle air conditioners when heaters reach the end of their life. From March 1, 2027, any gas hot water system that needs replacing must be replaced with an electric model. However, existing systems may still be repaired or reinstalled during home renovations.

Additionally, starting in 2027, all new homes will only be allowed to include electric appliances. The same rule will apply to all new commercial buildings, excluding those used for industrial, manufacturing, or agricultural purposes, which must be built fully electric. According to the premier, these reforms aim to cut household costs and ensure the state’s limited gas supply is directed toward industrial needs.

Source: MSN